Disclosure :: This post was sponsored by Hilliard University Art Museum.
You’re Invited :: Join the Hilliard University Art Museum for Play Day!
The first time I took my daughter to a museum was when she was 5 months old. Granted, I 
work at an art museum so I spend all my time in them anyway. Was I afraid of her projectile vomiting on an expensive work of art? Of course. Was I afraid she would wail and disrupt the experience of visitors? Yes. Did that stop me? No. Just as it doesn’t stop you from doing your day to day tasks and embarking on new experiences in the hopes of making special memories. But we had a great visit on that September morning. She immediately cooed and found fascination with Clementine Hunter which is understandable since her works are vibrant with color and the shapes are solid enough for an infant to see.
My daughter will be two years old in April. Now I’m terrified she’ll run up to a sculpture and try to knock it down or she’ll throw one of her classic tantrums when I don’t let her touch an object. But we still push through and hope for a great experience. If not, there’s always puffs and Peppa Pig to take the edge off.
This common parental fear became one of the driving forces behind the Hilliard University Art Museum’s education initiative – to create a space for children to explore and connect with art; to create life-long museum lovers and learners; to break down that barrier of fear and accessibility. The museum now hosts a free admission day for families three times a year called Play Day. It encourages families to come and explore the galleries together through games, art activities, and stories.
On Saturday, March 24th from 10am-2pm, the Hilliard Museum will celebrate “Play Day: Happy Birthday New Orleans!” as the city embarks on its tricentennial year. You can learn more about the city’s unique art, music, and culture through games and activities inspired by the exhibitions currently on display at the museum.
As you explore Tina Freeman: Artist Spaces, uncover the different gifts New Orleans has given us by finding special packages next to artworks that depict music, food, and architecture.
Then head to Spotlight on Francis Pavy where you can play I Spy with wetland animals featured in his piece Lake Arthur Lotus.
There will also be a special section called Eat, Play, Learn for toddlers to explore and learn through hands-on activities.
When you’re ready to make your own works of art, head to the museum’s makers space and create collages using photographs of New Orleans, design a birthday hat, and get your supplies for our second line parade!
Visitors can also enjoy playing games on the museum’s great lawn with Olympic Grove.
Olympic Grove will have their pizza truck at the museum for visitors to purchase food and beverages. While you are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and chairs to relax on the museum’s great lawn, we ask that you please leave your ice chests at home.
This event is presented in partnership with the Junior League of Lafayette, Lafayette Moms Blog, and Moncus Park.
Come on by and show us how you play at Play Day!
Schedule of Events ::
10:00-2:00 | (all day) Gallery Games & Hands-on Art Activities
10:30-11:00 | Story Time
11:30-1:00 | Jazz on the Plaza with the Michael Hilbun Trio
12:00 | Sing Happy Birthday to New Orleans and enjoy some cake
1:00-1:45 | Pucci Percussion performance
1:45 | Second Line Parade
2:00 | Play Day officially ends but the galleries will stay open until 5 PM
